Watching Taipei 101 fireworks from scenic spots

The Taipei 101 fireworks display for the New Year's celebration held in front of Taipei City Hall on 1 Jan, 2011.

The Taipei 101 fireworks’ display is the climax of New Year’s Eve events in Taipei every year, and although you would like to see the fireworks, you probably do not want to be part of the huge crowd gathering in front of Taipei City Hall Plaza. The Taipei City Department of Economic Development is recommending scenic spots in areas such as Elephant Mountain and Tiger Mountain in Xinyi District’s Sishou (Four Beast) mountain range, and even the Xianjiyan Hiking Trail in Wenshan District and the Zhinan scenic spot in the Maokong area, to enjoy the fireworks display at a distance and away from the hubbub.

The Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office says Xinyi District’s Sishou mountain range offers excellent views, of which the trails at Elephant Mountain and Tiger Mountain are closest to the city area, adding that there are great facilities along the trails and that it has always been the most popular spot for people watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. They especially recommend 11 specific spots that are best for watching the fireworks, and people can go up the mountain earlier instead of jostling in the city crowd.

The Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office offers maps for the mountain trails, or they can be downloaded on their Web site for free
(http://www.ed.taipei.gov.tw/gowalking/).

Where to watch the Taipei 101 Fireworks without the crowd at the Taipei Town Hall

1.In front of Eslite Xinyi Store 信義誠品(No. 11 Songgao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei). From here you can see the full view of 101 building and not too close to the building.

2.Between CPC Corporation Taiwan 中國石油(No. 3, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei) and Cathay Finacial Center 國泰金融大樓 (No. 7, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei). From here the view of 101 building bottom part will be blocked. But you may have the view of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi building at the same time.

3.Intersection of Xinyi Road and Songren Road, outside NY Bagle and Joyce East. You can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants here.

4.Intersection of Xinyi Rd. Sec. 4, Tonghua St. and Jilong Rd. Tonghua Night Market is nearby; you can find all kinds of Taiwanese local snack here.

5.Xinan St. There is not any building that can block your view of the fireworks show from here. The downside is it is far way from 101 building.

6.Xinyi Rd. Sec.5. As it is close to high way, you should pay attention to the pass by motor vehicles.